Dear Cesar,

I adopted an adult, approximately two year-old, female Great Pyrenees from a shelter. Aside from some initial shyness and fearfulness commonly seen in shelter dogs, she is a wonderful, cooperative, and friendly dog. During the month I have had her, her level of trust has increased dramatically, and she is playful and easygoing, demonstrating the calm, non-aggressive, but protective nature of the breed.

The one significant problem I have had started with the rain. She has a spot in the yard to go to relieve herself which we established early on for quick outside trips. She is taken on two walks a day. When it rains, she hates to go out, and it is the only time she pulls on the lead. I am comfortable going for walks in the rain, and take her out rain or shine, but she really does not want to pee on wet grass or gravel. Does this behavior have anything to do with scent that may change with dampness? I hope you can help me with this. The dog is smart and aims to please, but I am at a loss.

Thank you very much,
Susan

Dear Susan,

If the dog had a bad experience which he related to the smell of wet grass or gravel, then yes. But usually, a dog associates the scent with freshness. It can actually make a dog quite frisky; rain inspires games!

Without seeing your dog, it is hard to say what is troubling her. Is it the scent? Are the ears uncomfortable in the rain? Is it her eyes? Normally, Great Pyrenees don't have a problem with stormy weather; they were made for that type of weather. What you need to do is make the rain fun. Associate it with things that he enjoys.

For example, you can ask him to walk two or three steps into the rain, and then give him a treat. Later, or even the next day, if the rain is available, ask him to walk five steps, and then give him the treat. Slowly, bring him out into the rain and help him discover the fun.

Sometimes I can't influence a dog, but my pack can. With a case like this, I would introduce the dog to a whole bunch of water dogs, like Labradors and Newfoundlands, who enjoy having fun in the rain.

If your dog is already properly socialized with other dogs, you might want take him to the dog park or set play dates with other calm-submissive or active-submissive dogs when it rains. It's going to get messy, but if the mind gets better, it's worth it!

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan